A Study on Socio-Cultural and Economic Marginalization of Artisans in Dembecha Woreda, West Gojjam Zone of Amhara Region
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Craft workers in the Dembecha woreda were/are marginalized occupational groups . . Despite
their ago-old existence and importance of crafts, they were sidelined from the mainstream
society in which they li ve. In addition, factors for the low status and marginalization of craft
workers in the northern part of Ethiopia are less studied. Therefore, we have very little
information about this group of people, especially from the change and continuity perspective.
Thus, this thesis aims to contribute ethnographic information about the socio-economic condition
and aspects of marginali zation in light of change and continuity.
The main objective of the thesis is to investigate and describe factors for the low status of
artisans and dimensions of marginalization who are settled in Dembecha woreda, West Gojjam
Zone of Amhara Regional State. The thesis also tries to describe organizing principles of
artisans in light of the dominant society's social setting. In addition, changes and continuities in
the production and exchange system of handicrafts are discussed.
In order to treat the stated problem and accomplish the objective, both primary and secondary
methods of data collection were used. Participant observation and informant interview were
important mechanisms to gather primary data. Avai lable written materials were also reviewed.
The major finding of the thesis indicates that craft workers were exposed to social, cultural,
economic, spatial and political aspects of marginalization. In addition, the field data revealed
that many of the factors upheld among the dominant society for the low status of m1isans are
cultural constructions under vein of social norms.
However, the lives of craft workers have changed overtime. Approbation of land ownership
right and expansion of modern education have positively affected the different dimensions of
marginalization. Craft workers have thus achieved improved social and economic position.
However, craft workers in the study area are not considered as full social persons. They are still
despised through contemptuous feelings and ideological explanations. This is to say, though there
is no official marginalization, art isans are sti ll remi nded as not equal with others.
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Study on Socio-Cultural